Governor launches renewable energy conference tomorrow

COLUMBIA, MO (April 7, 2014) -

As 15 speakers from across the country gather to share their renewable energy success stories, they will be welcomed by Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon. The governor will kick off the ninth annual Advancing Renewables in the Midwest conference at the University of Missouri's Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center on Tuesday, April 8 at 8:15 am. Select topics of the one day conference include: the successes of a community solar project in Orlando, Kansas City's 'Green Impact Zone', tracking carbon neutrality and trends in bio-based energy.A solar workshop for utility professionals will be held in the afternoon by the Solar Electric Power Association. Energy efficiency will also be highlighted in a speech by Mike Downing, the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

A list of speakers and topics can be found at AdvancingRenewables.org. Conference registration has reached full capacity. Reporters attending the event need to check in at the registration desk the day of the conference.

The Advancing Renewables in the Midwest conference is hosted by Columbia Water & Light, the University of Missouri Atmospheric Sciences department and the Missouri Department of Economic Development - Division of Energy.